Khurayyimite is an extremely rare calcium silicate mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Daba-Siwaqa complex in Jordan. It typically occurs as small, colorless platy crystals associated with other rare high-temperature mineral phases. It is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its limited type locality and unique chemical composition.
Is this khurayyimite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch khurayyimite with a known reference. Khurayyimite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khurayyimite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Khurayyimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Khurayyimite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside khurayyimite
Minerals reported to co-occur with khurayyimite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇(Si₂O₇)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500
Where rockhounds find khurayyimite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khurayyim, Jordan
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where khurayyimite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, portlandite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify khurayyimite?+
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Find khurayyimite on the map
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